The criticism is rather childish. Mac is making an effort to complete a project that a number of people are interested in. He is working to improve the design and is open to constructive suggestions. It's always easy to sit on the sidelines, do nothing and criticise those on the field. The mark of a low achiever.
No offence but who are you? Two days and 3 posts on the forum and you accuse a long standing member of (and I quote) having "the mark of a low achiever". While you have the right to express your opinion I find it offensive that you feel the right as a newbie to make such a bold statement about someone you don't even know! What is your link with Mac I wonder???
NMS
A sense of humour is no laughing matter!
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,769Chief of Staff
Now please....back to the topic.
I know people are trying to help and sometimes that can bruise egos....or not
If anybody wants to complain....just contact a MOD.
What would I change about it? I can't find anything about it that I would actually keep! So far the only mild similarity to these and the real deal, is that they are both made out of some kind of metal. I can't even say for sure that what I'm seeing would even serve as actual cufflinks, as I don't even see any sort of a hinge mechanism which would be needed to put it on a shirt cuff. They don't even look symmetrical!
I can drive into Chinatown (about 30 minutes away from me), and for $50 I can walk out with a knock-off version of a $3,000 Omega watch that would fool even the sharpest watch aficionado. I too bought the fairly reasonable replicas from Costume Base for $30, so I figured for $325.00 I should at least be impressed, if not totally blown away.
Mac, as a budding entrepreneur myself, (who isn't these days,) I can certainly recognize you were using the Trump method of launching projects - find the demand, seek out financial backers, then use that cash to build your product. The operative difference here is that Donald Trump knows how to build buildings.
The bottomline is that the 'prototypes' you posted bear no resemblance whatsoever to the photos you posted on page 2. I have a tough time even believing that you were working with someone who makes a living as a genuine cufflink maker. These look like something that was put together in a high school shop class.
Unless a miracle happens, I think we should discuss refunds to those of us who shelled out cash.
Now now, they could be his interpretation of the cufflink :v wont silver turn your shirt black ? classy
to be honest, if you post a pic of anything that looks like the original, you will find out if the licence holders patrol the forums lmao and if you think they don't, then more fool you )
The criticism is rather childish. Mac is making an effort to complete a project that a number of people are interested in. He is working to improve the design and is open to constructive suggestions. It's always easy to sit on the sidelines, do nothing and criticise those on the field. The mark of a low achiever.
right, as i'm known for throwing things together all slap dash etc, i thought i'd put in my under achieving 2 pennies worth into this 'over quinine powdered vesper' of a thread.
1. obtain info on what you want to make. be this screen shots, original plans (you'd be lucky) original props for reference or whatever. the trick here is to research the actual prop, or exact item and not use the pic in the first result google gives you.
2. produce a prototype. don't make any claims before you've made anything to show. with the price of copper being quite high (to the best of my knowledge), this in turn can raise the price of brass (brass is an alloy containing copper ya see ) and i can understand why mac would get someone else to file a bit of brass down for him. mac, if you needed the 50p's worth of brass, i could have sent you some over (+shipping of course). now the prototype should be nice and accurate. you then show it off and ask people's opinions. trust me, the people on this board know what things should look like. yes, even bondtoys.
3. after modifying your proto using people's suggestions, you can now show a final proof and say, guys, this is as accurate as i can get it, what do you think? take final opinions, make the neccessary changes and call it a day.
4. now you can mention money. money's a funny thing. whats the saying? everyone's your brother until the rent comes due? by taking cash before making anything, you've sealed yourself into the deal. should anything go wrong, that money will have to go back. but you've already bought the power rangers boxset haven't you timmy? 'uh-huh' oh dear timmy, now you're in a pickle. only take money if you know and trust your buyer(s). on large jobs i can understand taking deposits, but only take enough to cover costs at the very most.
5. make/get made your item(s). once they've been made, you can then email your buyer(s) that its ready,now you can ask for the greens.
6. ship your items once the money is in.
7. sit back and marvel at your hard work thats paid off, and enjoy everyone else's happiness at the end, and enjoy the feedback you get.
8. btw, get permission from whoever made the original to use their name in your ads, or best still, just say you're making some cufflinks, anyone fancy some?
from what i've seen, i could make that prototype in the pics in an afternoon and it'd cost about 25 all in to make a pair and get them chrome plated so they didn't turn ya shirt black (would that really happen pete?).
i don't think mac is ripping anyone off here guys, i think whoever's making his cufflinks is. mac, trying getting quotes off other people, you might get it cheaper.
Talking of copyright the following can be found on the S.T. Dupont website:
Proprietary rights, trademarks, drawings and models.
The documents provided the drawings and models shown on this site and any and all trademarks referred to are the exclusive property of ST Dupont.
ST Dupont does not grant any license nor right to use, exploit, distribute such documents, drawings, models and trademarks. Any reproduction of the same is formally prohibited.
Pretty standard copyright statement I know but one must take it seriously. While this mainly refers to the website they will no doubt have a similar legal policy that extends to the physical unauthorised reproduction of their products.
nms, you caught me. I'm Mac's great aunt, and we have teamed up in a a global conspiracy to run the cufflink trade. JFK and Elvis were onto us, so we had them taken care of. The prototypes do not look like the originals, this is true. Does anyone expect that hollow, copper prototypes of a solid, silver finished product will do so? The measurements are evidently wrong - based on the email exchange it appears that Mac took them from one of two models of Dupont cufflinks, which look similar. This seems an honest mistake, which Mac has acknowledged and is working to fix. My point is that he is making an effort to complete a project that people are interested in, and snide, childish remarks from keyboard warriors are unhelpful. Why try to mock the guy? Helpful advice is great, schoolyard stuff not so much.
if the final product is to be solid silver, why is the prototype hollowed out?
surely it would take longer to hollow the backs out, and the only reason to do so would be to save silver when the cufflinks are cast. am i assuming incorrectly?
(erm btw mike, the prototypes are brass, not copper)
nms, you caught me. I'm Mac's great aunt, and we have teamed up in a a global conspiracy to run the cufflink trade. JFK and Elvis were onto us, so we had them taken care of. The prototypes do not look like the originals, this is true. Does anyone expect that hollow, copper prototypes of a solid, silver finished product will do so? The measurements are evidently wrong - based on the email exchange it appears that Mac took them from one of two models of Dupont cufflinks, which look similar. This seems an honest mistake, which Mac has acknowledged and is working to fix. My point is that he is making an effort to complete a project that people are interested in, and snide, childish remarks from keyboard warriors are unhelpful. Why try to mock the guy? Helpful advice is great, schoolyard stuff not so much.
Well I disagree! I think this whole project has gone pear-shaped and I think it should be abandoned with all parties who have handed money to Mac refunded immediately! Perhaps if Mac still wishes to get this project off the ground he will do well to learn from his mistakes and actually have a proper finished prototype first before taking money off un-suspecting members! Also he should have explored copyright issues first as I firmly believe he is breaking the law - and while I don't personally care if he ends up facing legal action I think it would be pretty bad to see the AJB forum dragged into legal wranglings which would have a detrimental effect on it!
NMS
P.S. I actually find the first part of your last post 'childish' and 'schoolyard-like behaviour' so welcome to the kiddies club! )
This was a first prototype, of course there will be mistakes and I have detailed why. I will work until each and every member who has put money in is happy with them. I have received a plethora of much clearer pictures from a member here and I believe this will help the project enormously.
This is a first prototype, not the final product. Please, don't forget that and remember that I too have put money in to get a pair of cufflinks and want them and fully expect them to be fantastic when this project ends.
If anyone has anything that would help the project, please don't hesitate to email me.
I think people should be refunded the money - the Paypal protection only last 45 days.
If Mac manages to make a good product I am sure people will buy - the demand is there.
If the intention is well, people should not be held ransom.
Like I have stated previously, I have seen how this play out to a very bitter end. I don't want to see that happen here.
I recommend people here to finance their own projects - it is always better that way.
-{
I think people should be refunded the money - the Paypal protection only last 45 days.
If Mac manages to make a good product I am sure people will buy - the demand is there.
If the intention is well, people should not be held ransom.
Like I have stated previously, I have seen how this play out to a very bitter end. I don't want to see that happen here.
I recommend people here to finance their own projects - it is always better that way.
-{
Some of the best and wisest words I have read in this thread - well said! {[]
Let me add another note - I have posted this before, but I think it is worth repeating it here
*****************
This is what I have learned about prop making (when making a large run - and only when the seller took the money early - the more money the more likely it will happen):
- It will make the prop maker very very ill for many weeks or months.
- It will cause death to a loved one.
- It will cause your one and only computer to crash.
- It will cause your internet to crap out on you.
- It will sometimes cause you to fake your own death.
So if you plan to make a large run of props - please just walk away from the hazards now.
********
Well, it is call the curse of the prop maker - happened before, will happen again - all parties beware !
nms, you caught me. I'm Mac's great aunt, and we have teamed up in a a global conspiracy to run the cufflink trade. JFK and Elvis were onto us, so we had them taken care of. The prototypes do not look like the originals, this is true. Does anyone expect that hollow, copper prototypes of a solid, silver finished product will do so? The measurements are evidently wrong - based on the email exchange it appears that Mac took them from one of two models of Dupont cufflinks, which look similar. This seems an honest mistake, which Mac has acknowledged and is working to fix. My point is that he is making an effort to complete a project that people are interested in, and snide, childish remarks from keyboard warriors are unhelpful. Why try to mock the guy? Helpful advice is great, schoolyard stuff not so much.
Sorry Mike, but you are wrong again!
At first MAc posted 3 pics of the wrong model and claimed, that he now had dimensions and pics of the CORRECT model .
Only after my remark, he backed off and edited his post into the way that it is now.
If you are asking me I deserve credit for putting him into the better direction but you may be loosing the concept of the enemy then
President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
I think Mac should admit he got it wrong, refund everyone and apologise for his mistakes. He should then, if he still wants to, carry on with this project funding it himself (or co-funding it with anyone who us happy to get involved and take the risk), sort out any copyright issues and produce a finished prototype which is deemed fit for purpose. Then perhaps he can bring it to the attention of the forum to see if any members are interested.
i think mac has made a few errors, the most important one being taking the full amount before even finalising a design.
the intentions seem good, and the heart seems to be in the right place, but maybe a lack of guidence before he started mixed with a rip off artist of a silversmith has left him with egg on his mush.
But also, give the guy a break everyone.
From what I have read, the sight of the first prototype was not taken too well; some people went a little overboard.
Relax and see it through - help the guy, don't hinder him.
Adam
Best wishes,
Adam Carter-Jones Bondposters.com - FREE James Bond Poster Reference site
But also, give the guy a break everyone.
From what I have read, the sight of the first prototype was not taken too well; some people went a little overboard.
Relax and see it through - help the guy, don't hinder him.
Look, I hate to kick a guy when he's down. I'm sure he meant well. But, if you are going to pre-charge people $325 for cufflinks, (especially when other replicas previously went for $30,) then you better be in the position to deliver on what you promise, and you also have to be ready to deal with disgruntled customers when you don't deliver.
Adam, I applaud your positive attitude, and I would love to help him, but I haven't a clue how to make cufflinks; and frankly, his prototype is so off the mark that anything I offered would probably just come off as sarcasm anyway. It's shocking that anyone would have to actually point out some of the obvious differences between the prototype and the real cufflinks. And I think most of the most obvious differences have been pointed out already anyway. (For example, why in the world would he take the extra effort to hollow out the cufflink for the prototype, if that's not his intention for the final product? Why does it look like it was put together with a soldering iron? Why does the bottom part bear no resemblance to the real cufflinks? Why is there no visible lever mechanism?) Should I really go on?
I'm struggling to at least give Mac the benefit of the doubt, but there's a few things that are troubling me: First, the only thing we know (unless I missed a post) is that he is working with "a company in the UK." I would like to know the name of this company, and what their past experience is with making cufflinks.
Second, it troubles me that Mac has yet to respond to (or even acknowledge) the possibility of making refunds if the cufflinks don't meet reasonable expectations. I don't want to accuse anyone of unsavory business practices, but I also don't want to be the victim of a completely ill-conceived business venture either.
I think the right thing to do would be to share with us the name of the company he is working with on this project, so that maybe those who are in a position to help this project can do so, and he should also to agree to full (or at least partial) refunds to those of us who paid in advance for "an exact copy" of "the S.T. Dupont 5244 cufflinks" (Mac's words, not mine).
I've resisted piling on but this thread is degenerating and in many cases in a manner unlikely to bring about a good solution TO THOSE INVOLVED.
Ie
Mac ✓ PAID
Paperbill
The Domino Effect ✓ PAID
ke02eww ✓ PAID
Head of Section ✓ PAID
Dexter007 ✓ PAID
DGuest ✓
Meesta Bawnd ✓ PAID
Jib21
007DAN ✓ PAID
saoralba1969 ✓ PAID
TomSawyer ✓ PAID
This I believe is the final list.
Of the many mumblings recently, only a few have come directly from those on the list. Each of THOSE should be well heeded.
While I respect a number of the "well wishers " who have opined helpfully, and appreciate their input, can others with alternative motives please desist - that said I did lmao when i read the phrase keyboard warriors..
So as a CONTRIBUTOR these are my thoughts;
1 the issue of copyright is important and I (and others) brought it up at the very beginning - I was placated by comments like
"Firstly, we are using a different fitting on the cufflinks.
Secondly, the measurements have been altered slightly per the ones I received from a forum member and what the cufflink company recommended.
Thirdly, there will be no copyrighted logos of any kind on these cufflinks."
I trust this is still the case - the pics certainly fit these criteria!
2 As kan suggests those paid should diarise the 40th day from their payment to ensure they are able to initiate a dispute on paypal to protect their investments - I certainly have and the 4th April is in mine. These are the details from paypal;
Reason for Dispute:
Most disputes can be resolved through open communication with your seller. You can use the Resolution Centre to open a dispute with a seller within 45 calendar days of payment.
If you're unable to resolve the dispute, you can ask PayPal to investigate by escalating the dispute to a claim within 20 calendar days of the date the dispute was opened.
3 mac you suggested we would be well within this period when u collected payments back in feb yet we have had delays (to be expected) and are therefore unlikely to deliver cuffs before the 45 day zone. I suggest u give this some thought immediately.
4 have to say I was disappointed with the pics. But this isn't the finished item and I for one would prefer to see a finished cuff asap.
I struggle to see why the mock up should look any different from the final item? After all are there economies of scale that require the mock up to be so inferior to the finished item?
With clothes (ESP dresses) it's common to make a mock up in cheaper material to save money, or where machining is only possible in bulk and an inferior by-hand process is economic.
Sorry mac but I feel the questions asked of the appearance need some answers.
5 I doubt knowing the name of the producer would help ( would we have heard of them or be able to research them?) but as an act of faith it might help - mac food for thought.
In conclusion, mac your efforts are appreciated by many on here and ar in the fine tradition of ajb.
However, as others have said it's always easier to fund a project yourself and then you can ignore the inevitable criticisms.
Once you have taken peoples money you forego the right to just ignore anyone and in business the customer is always right.
To my knowledge we can all put in claims against you if you fail to convince us of the satisfactory nature of the FINISHED product.
For me that "window" is close. It's upto others what they do.
As a supporter of you and your project, I suggest you engage your customers asap (privately if u prefer) and build reassurance lest trigger fingers itch....
Couple of small things. Solid bar cufflinks are pretty common. Sterling silver cufflinks are pretty common.
I'm not sure but I don't think Ralph Lauren is gonna want formal shirts turning black, no? That's if people can even get those cumbersome backs through the button holes(which isn't hard at all).
Upmarket solid bar sterling silver cufflinks. What were they thinking?
As far as prototypes being off, how many prototypes did the Maddy shirt go through, and that was from the original maker(who was never mentioned either by the way so that every fanboy wouldn't contact the company). It turned out beautifully.
I won't comment on the money stuff as I'm not involved with that. Wasn't interested although with the solid bar small coffin back I think they'd look ten times better than the original.
Couple of small things. Solid bar cufflinks are pretty common. Sterling silver cufflinks are pretty common.
I'm not sure but I don't think Ralph Lauren is gonna want formal shirts turning black, no? That's if people can even get those cumbersome backs through the button holes(which isn't hard at all).
Upmarket solid bar sterling silver cufflinks. What were they thinking?
As far as prototypes being off, how many prototypes did the Maddy shirt go through, and that was from the original maker(who was never mentioned either by the way so that every fanboy wouldn't contact the company). It turned out beautifully.
I won't comment on the money stuff as I'm not involved with that. Wasn't interested although with the solid bar small coffin back I think they'd look ten times better than the original.
Comments
No offence but who are you? Two days and 3 posts on the forum and you accuse a long standing member of (and I quote) having "the mark of a low achiever". While you have the right to express your opinion I find it offensive that you feel the right as a newbie to make such a bold statement about someone you don't even know! What is your link with Mac I wonder???
NMS
I know people are trying to help and sometimes that can bruise egos....or not
If anybody wants to complain....just contact a MOD.
Thank you.
NMS
Duped!
What would I change about it? I can't find anything about it that I would actually keep! So far the only mild similarity to these and the real deal, is that they are both made out of some kind of metal. I can't even say for sure that what I'm seeing would even serve as actual cufflinks, as I don't even see any sort of a hinge mechanism which would be needed to put it on a shirt cuff. They don't even look symmetrical!
I can drive into Chinatown (about 30 minutes away from me), and for $50 I can walk out with a knock-off version of a $3,000 Omega watch that would fool even the sharpest watch aficionado. I too bought the fairly reasonable replicas from Costume Base for $30, so I figured for $325.00 I should at least be impressed, if not totally blown away.
Mac, as a budding entrepreneur myself, (who isn't these days,) I can certainly recognize you were using the Trump method of launching projects - find the demand, seek out financial backers, then use that cash to build your product. The operative difference here is that Donald Trump knows how to build buildings.
The bottomline is that the 'prototypes' you posted bear no resemblance whatsoever to the photos you posted on page 2. I have a tough time even believing that you were working with someone who makes a living as a genuine cufflink maker. These look like something that was put together in a high school shop class.
Unless a miracle happens, I think we should discuss refunds to those of us who shelled out cash.
to be honest, if you post a pic of anything that looks like the original, you will find out if the licence holders patrol the forums lmao and if you think they don't, then more fool you
Hey! I've gotten this! :v
not - if you are wearing dark-grey shirts only in the future
These rhodium platings are so over-hyped......
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
right, as i'm known for throwing things together all slap dash etc, i thought i'd put in my under achieving 2 pennies worth into this 'over quinine powdered vesper' of a thread.
1. obtain info on what you want to make. be this screen shots, original plans (you'd be lucky) original props for reference or whatever. the trick here is to research the actual prop, or exact item and not use the pic in the first result google gives you.
2. produce a prototype. don't make any claims before you've made anything to show. with the price of copper being quite high (to the best of my knowledge), this in turn can raise the price of brass (brass is an alloy containing copper ya see
3. after modifying your proto using people's suggestions, you can now show a final proof and say, guys, this is as accurate as i can get it, what do you think? take final opinions, make the neccessary changes and call it a day.
4. now you can mention money. money's a funny thing. whats the saying? everyone's your brother until the rent comes due? by taking cash before making anything, you've sealed yourself into the deal. should anything go wrong, that money will have to go back. but you've already bought the power rangers boxset haven't you timmy? 'uh-huh' oh dear timmy, now you're in a pickle. only take money if you know and trust your buyer(s). on large jobs i can understand taking deposits, but only take enough to cover costs at the very most.
5. make/get made your item(s). once they've been made, you can then email your buyer(s) that its ready,now you can ask for the greens.
6. ship your items once the money is in.
7. sit back and marvel at your hard work thats paid off, and enjoy everyone else's happiness at the end, and enjoy the feedback you get.
8. btw, get permission from whoever made the original to use their name in your ads, or best still, just say you're making some cufflinks, anyone fancy some?
from what i've seen, i could make that prototype in the pics in an afternoon and it'd cost about 25 all in to make a pair and get them chrome plated so they didn't turn ya shirt black (would that really happen pete?).
i don't think mac is ripping anyone off here guys, i think whoever's making his cufflinks is. mac, trying getting quotes off other people, you might get it cheaper.
hope this helps.
MG -{
Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
www.helpforheroes.org.uk
www.cancerresearchuk.org
Pretty standard copyright statement I know but one must take it seriously. While this mainly refers to the website they will no doubt have a similar legal policy that extends to the physical unauthorised reproduction of their products.
NMS
I hope we do not have to conclude with that.
Best wishes -{
if the final product is to be solid silver, why is the prototype hollowed out?
surely it would take longer to hollow the backs out, and the only reason to do so would be to save silver when the cufflinks are cast. am i assuming incorrectly?
(erm btw mike, the prototypes are brass, not copper)
Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
www.helpforheroes.org.uk
www.cancerresearchuk.org
Well I disagree! I think this whole project has gone pear-shaped and I think it should be abandoned with all parties who have handed money to Mac refunded immediately! Perhaps if Mac still wishes to get this project off the ground he will do well to learn from his mistakes and actually have a proper finished prototype first before taking money off un-suspecting members! Also he should have explored copyright issues first as I firmly believe he is breaking the law - and while I don't personally care if he ends up facing legal action I think it would be pretty bad to see the AJB forum dragged into legal wranglings which would have a detrimental effect on it!
NMS
P.S. I actually find the first part of your last post 'childish' and 'schoolyard-like behaviour' so welcome to the kiddies club!
This is a first prototype, not the final product. Please, don't forget that and remember that I too have put money in to get a pair of cufflinks and want them and fully expect them to be fantastic when this project ends.
If anyone has anything that would help the project, please don't hesitate to email me.
I will contact all members privately from now on.
If Mac manages to make a good product I am sure people will buy - the demand is there.
If the intention is well, people should not be held ransom.
Like I have stated previously, I have seen how this play out to a very bitter end. I don't want to see that happen here.
I recommend people here to finance their own projects - it is always better that way.
-{
Some of the best and wisest words I have read in this thread - well said! {[]
NMS
*****************
This is what I have learned about prop making (when making a large run - and only when the seller took the money early - the more money the more likely it will happen):
- It will make the prop maker very very ill for many weeks or months.
- It will cause death to a loved one.
- It will cause your one and only computer to crash.
- It will cause your internet to crap out on you.
- It will sometimes cause you to fake your own death.
So if you plan to make a large run of props - please just walk away from the hazards now.
********
Well, it is call the curse of the prop maker - happened before, will happen again - all parties beware !
TIS - "The moment you think you got it figured - you're wrong"
Formerly known as Teppo
Sorry Mike, but you are wrong again!
At first MAc posted 3 pics of the wrong model and claimed, that he now had dimensions and pics of the CORRECT model .
Only after my remark, he backed off and edited his post into the way that it is now.
If you are asking me I deserve credit for putting him into the better direction but you may be loosing the concept of the enemy then
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
NMS
the intentions seem good, and the heart seems to be in the right place, but maybe a lack of guidence before he started mixed with a rip off artist of a silversmith has left him with egg on his mush.
mac, if you need any help i'm only a pm away.
Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
www.helpforheroes.org.uk
www.cancerresearchuk.org
But also, give the guy a break everyone.
From what I have read, the sight of the first prototype was not taken too well; some people went a little overboard.
Relax and see it through - help the guy, don't hinder him.
Adam
Adam Carter-Jones
Bondposters.com - FREE James Bond Poster Reference site
Adam, I applaud your positive attitude, and I would love to help him, but I haven't a clue how to make cufflinks; and frankly, his prototype is so off the mark that anything I offered would probably just come off as sarcasm anyway. It's shocking that anyone would have to actually point out some of the obvious differences between the prototype and the real cufflinks. And I think most of the most obvious differences have been pointed out already anyway. (For example, why in the world would he take the extra effort to hollow out the cufflink for the prototype, if that's not his intention for the final product? Why does it look like it was put together with a soldering iron? Why does the bottom part bear no resemblance to the real cufflinks? Why is there no visible lever mechanism?) Should I really go on?
I'm struggling to at least give Mac the benefit of the doubt, but there's a few things that are troubling me: First, the only thing we know (unless I missed a post) is that he is working with "a company in the UK." I would like to know the name of this company, and what their past experience is with making cufflinks.
Second, it troubles me that Mac has yet to respond to (or even acknowledge) the possibility of making refunds if the cufflinks don't meet reasonable expectations. I don't want to accuse anyone of unsavory business practices, but I also don't want to be the victim of a completely ill-conceived business venture either.
I think the right thing to do would be to share with us the name of the company he is working with on this project, so that maybe those who are in a position to help this project can do so, and he should also to agree to full (or at least partial) refunds to those of us who paid in advance for "an exact copy" of "the S.T. Dupont 5244 cufflinks" (Mac's words, not mine).
Ie
Mac ✓ PAID
Paperbill
The Domino Effect ✓ PAID
ke02eww ✓ PAID
Head of Section ✓ PAID
Dexter007 ✓ PAID
DGuest ✓
Meesta Bawnd ✓ PAID
Jib21
007DAN ✓ PAID
saoralba1969 ✓ PAID
TomSawyer ✓ PAID
This I believe is the final list.
Of the many mumblings recently, only a few have come directly from those on the list. Each of THOSE should be well heeded.
While I respect a number of the "well wishers " who have opined helpfully, and appreciate their input, can others with alternative motives please desist - that said I did lmao when i read the phrase keyboard warriors..
So as a CONTRIBUTOR these are my thoughts;
1 the issue of copyright is important and I (and others) brought it up at the very beginning - I was placated by comments like
"Firstly, we are using a different fitting on the cufflinks.
Secondly, the measurements have been altered slightly per the ones I received from a forum member and what the cufflink company recommended.
Thirdly, there will be no copyrighted logos of any kind on these cufflinks."
I trust this is still the case - the pics certainly fit these criteria!
2 As kan suggests those paid should diarise the 40th day from their payment to ensure they are able to initiate a dispute on paypal to protect their investments - I certainly have and the 4th April is in mine. These are the details from paypal;
Reason for Dispute:
Most disputes can be resolved through open communication with your seller. You can use the Resolution Centre to open a dispute with a seller within 45 calendar days of payment.
If you're unable to resolve the dispute, you can ask PayPal to investigate by escalating the dispute to a claim within 20 calendar days of the date the dispute was opened.
3 mac you suggested we would be well within this period when u collected payments back in feb yet we have had delays (to be expected) and are therefore unlikely to deliver cuffs before the 45 day zone. I suggest u give this some thought immediately.
4 have to say I was disappointed with the pics. But this isn't the finished item and I for one would prefer to see a finished cuff asap.
I struggle to see why the mock up should look any different from the final item? After all are there economies of scale that require the mock up to be so inferior to the finished item?
With clothes (ESP dresses) it's common to make a mock up in cheaper material to save money, or where machining is only possible in bulk and an inferior by-hand process is economic.
Sorry mac but I feel the questions asked of the appearance need some answers.
5 I doubt knowing the name of the producer would help ( would we have heard of them or be able to research them?) but as an act of faith it might help - mac food for thought.
In conclusion, mac your efforts are appreciated by many on here and ar in the fine tradition of ajb.
However, as others have said it's always easier to fund a project yourself and then you can ignore the inevitable criticisms.
Once you have taken peoples money you forego the right to just ignore anyone and in business the customer is always right.
To my knowledge we can all put in claims against you if you fail to convince us of the satisfactory nature of the FINISHED product.
For me that "window" is close. It's upto others what they do.
As a supporter of you and your project, I suggest you engage your customers asap (privately if u prefer) and build reassurance lest trigger fingers itch....
Best Rgds Paul
I'm not sure but I don't think Ralph Lauren is gonna want formal shirts turning black, no? That's if people can even get those cumbersome backs through the button holes(which isn't hard at all).
http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4482583&cp=1760781.2877672&ab=ln_men_cs2_silveraccessories&parentPage=family
Upmarket solid bar sterling silver cufflinks. What were they thinking?
As far as prototypes being off, how many prototypes did the Maddy shirt go through, and that was from the original maker(who was never mentioned either by the way so that every fanboy wouldn't contact the company). It turned out beautifully.
I won't comment on the money stuff as I'm not involved with that. Wasn't interested although with the solid bar small coffin back I think they'd look ten times better than the original.
Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
www.helpforheroes.org.uk
www.cancerresearchuk.org